What’s a “Sesame”?

I was musing with Chocoholic the other day, when I asked my long-time question:

What’s a “sesame“? Poppy seeds come from the poppy plant; I know what poppy plants look like. Sunflower seeds come from the sunflower plant; I’ve seen sunflowers before. Sesame seeds MUST come from a sesame plant… but what does it look like?

Every time I ask this question, people shake their head in wonder, go “Hmmmmm…”, but so far nobody has an answer! So I decided to do what my Dad is always telling me, and I looked it up!

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According to the Spice Advice Spice Encyclopedia, the Sesame Seed is the seed of an annual herb, Sesamum indicum, which grows well in hot climates. Sesame Seed is the most commonly produced seed. The yellowish, red, or black seeds are used in bread products, stir-fries, Jewish and Chinese confectionaries, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Another source tells me the leaves are used to flavor teas, seeds are used in pastries, soups and salads. Lovely fox glove like flowers.

Here is some very detailed information about the Sesame Seed.

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So now you know!